Career and Education Opportunities for Zoologists in Ramapo, New York

Zoologists can find many career and educational opportunities in the Ramapo, New York area. The national trend for zoologists sees this job pool growing by about 12.8% over the next eight years. In general, zoologists study the origins, behavior, and life processes of animals and wildlife.

Income for zoologists is about $27 per hour or $56,320 yearly on average in New York. Nationally, their income is about $26 hourly or $55,290 annually. Earnings for zoologists are not quite as good as earnings in the general category of Life Sciences in New York and not quite as good as general Life Sciences category earnings nationally. Jobs in this field include: dolphin researcher, wildlife conservationist, and animal behaviorist.

There are 136 schools of higher education in the Ramapo area, including three within twenty-five miles of Ramapo where you can get a degree to start your career as a zoologist. Given that the most common education level for zoologists is a Master's degree, you can expect to spend about six years studying to be a zoologist if you already have a high school diploma, or just 2 years starting with a Bachelor's degree.

CAREER DESCRIPTION: Zoologist

Zoologist video from the State of New Jersey Dept. of Labor and Workforce Development

In general, zoologists study the origins, behavior, and life processes of animals and wildlife. They also may specialize in wildlife research and management, including the collection and analysis of biological data to determine the environmental effects of present and potential use of land and water areas.

Zoologists disseminate data by writing reports and scientific papers or journal articles, and by making presentations and giving talks for schools, clubs, interest groups and park interpretive programs. They also inventory or estimate plant and wildlife populations. Finally, zoologists make recommendations on management systems and planning for wildlife populations and habitat, consulting with stakeholders and the public at large to explore options.

Every day, zoologists are expected to be able to write clearly and communicate well. They need to articulate ideas and problems. It is also important that they listen to and understand others in meetings.

It is important for zoologists to study characteristics of animals such as origin, interrelationships, classification, life histories and diseases and distribution. They are often called upon to analyze characteristics of animals to pinpoint and classify them. They also study animals in their natural habitats, assessing effects of environment and industry on animals, interpreting findings and recommending alternative operating conditions for industry. They are sometimes expected to collect and dissect animal specimens and examine specimens under microscope. Somewhat less frequently, zoologists are also expected to oversee the care and distribution of zoo animals, working with curators and zoo directors to establish the best way to contain animals, maintain their habitats and oversee facilities.

Zoologists sometimes are asked to ready collections of preserved specimens or microscopic slides for species identification and study of development or disease. And finally, they sometimes have to direct preventive programs to control the outbreak of wildlife diseases.

Like many other jobs, zoologists must have exceptional integrity and be reliable.

Similar jobs with educational opportunities in Ramapo include:

Agricultural Technician. Set up and maintain laboratory equipment and collect samples from crops or animals. Prepare specimens and record data to assist scientist in biology or related science experiments.

Biologist. Research or study basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, and functions.

Epidemiologist. Investigate and describe the determinants and distribution of disease, disability, and other health outcomes and develop the means for prevention and control.

Forester. Manage forested lands for economic, recreational, and conservation purposes. May inventory the type, amount, and location of standing timber, appraise the timber's worth, negotiate the purchase, and draw up contracts for procurement. May determine how to conserve wildlife habitats, creek beds, and soil stability, and how best to comply with environmental regulations. May devise plans for planting and growing new trees, monitor trees for healthy growth, and determine the best time for harvesting. Develop forest management plans for public and privately-owned forested lands.

Medical Scientist. Conduct research dealing with the understanding of human diseases and the improvement of human health. Engage in clinical investigation or other research, production, or related activities.

Microbiologist. Investigate the growth, structure, and other characteristics of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, algae, or fungi. Includes medical microbiologists who study the relationship between organisms and disease or the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms.

Natural Resource Manager. Research or study range land management practices to provide sustained production of forage, livestock, and wildlife.

Park Ranger. Plan, develop, and conduct programs to inform public of historical, natural, and scientific features of national, state, or local park.

Scientist. Study the chemical composition and physical principles of living cells and organisms, their electrical and mechanical energy, and related phenomena. May conduct research to further understanding of the complex chemical combinations and reactions involved in metabolism, reproduction, and heredity. May determine the effects of foods, drugs, and other substances on tissues and vital processes of living organisms.

Soil Conservation Technician. Plan and develop coordinated practices for soil erosion control, soil and water conservation, and sound land use.

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES: Zoologist Training

CUNY Bronx Community College - Bronx, NY

CUNY Bronx Community College, W 181 St & University Ave, Bronx, NY 10453. CUNY Bronx Community College is a medium sized college located in Bronx, New York. It is a public school with primarily 2-year programs and has 9,348 students. CUNY Bronx Community College has a one to two year program in Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management which graduated two students in 2008.

The College of New Rochelle - New Rochelle, NY

The College of New Rochelle, 29 Castle Pl, New Rochelle, NY 10805-2339. The College of New Rochelle is a medium sized college located in New Rochelle, New York. It is a private not-for-profit school with primarily 4-year or above programs. It has 5,087 students and an admission rate of 56%. The College of New Rochelle has a bachelor's degree program in Ecology which graduated two students in 2008.

Columbia University in the City of New York - New York, NY

Columbia University in the City of New York, 116 St and Broadway, New York, NY 10027. Columbia University in the City of New York is a large university located in New York, New York. It is a private not-for-profit school with primarily 4-year or above programs. It has 22,940 students and an admission rate of 11%. Columbia University in the City of New York has master's degree, post-master's certificate, and doctor's degree programs in Ecology which graduated zero, seven, and three students respectively in 2008.

CERTIFICATIONS

Associate Certified Entomologist:
The Entomological Society of America, long the industry leader in certification through its Board Certified Entomologist (BCE) program, is pleased to announce a new certification option geared specifically toward the pest management industry.

Certified Manager of Animal Resources:
The Certified Manager Animal Resources (CMAR) certification program is designed to raise competency and professionalism in the field of Animal Resources Management.

LOCATION INFORMATION: Ramapo, New York

Ramapo, New York photo by Mwanner

Ramapo is situated in Rockland County, New York. It has a population of over 115,096, which has grown by 5.7% in the past ten years. The cost of living index in Ramapo, 150, is far greater than the national average. New single-family homes in Ramapo are valued at $187,300 on average, which is well below the state average. In 2008, one hundred seventy-four new homes were built in Ramapo, down from two hundred fourteen the previous year.

The three most popular industries for women in Ramapo are health care, educational services, and professional, scientific, and technical services. For men, it is educational services, professional, scientific, and technical services, and construction. The average commute to work is about 33 minutes. More than 34.5% of Ramapo residents have a bachelor's degree, which is higher than the state average. The percentage of residents with a graduate degree, 15.1%, is higher than the state average.

The unemployment rate in Ramapo is 6.6%, which is less than New York's average of 8.7%. About 16.3% of Ramapo's residents are below the poverty line, which is worse than the state average.

The percentage of Ramapo residents that are affiliated with a religious congregation, 82.9%, is more than both the national and state average. Wesley Chapel and Saint Vincent De Paul Church are all churches located in Ramapo. The most prominent religious groups are the Catholic Church, the Muslim Estimate and the United Methodist Church.

Ramapo is home to the Kanes Open Camp and the Cedar Hollow Country Club.